Eight gymnasts to watch this season

BISMARCK – The WDA has showcased strong teams and individual gymnasts the past several years, and this season is no different. Eight programs are competing and there are a good number of talented gymnasts capable of strong performances in each competition. Here’s a look at eight  to watch.

Alyson Krug, Bismarck High

The senior has been one of the top all-around performers in the WDA during her career. Krug started in gymnastics at a young age and has blossomed into complete performer capable of putting together a strong all-around routine. She is at her best on the balance beam where she’s placed multiple times. Krug’s teammates look up to her as her dedication and drive to improve serve as a good motivator for them. In addition to competing in the sport, Krug also has helped serve as a youth coach. She competes in the pole vault for the Demons in track and field and plans to compete in that sport at North Dakota State University.

Teah Shulte, Bismarck Century

Through hard work and a drive to excel, Schulte as emerged as a consistent place winner in meets throughout the season. She was a top-10 finisher in all-around scoring last season at the state individual championships. The all-WDA and all-state selection shines on the balance beam where she has placed four times at past state competitions. Like many gymnasts, Schulte was introduced to the sport at a young age and through practice and improved technique gained the confidence to compete at a higher difficult level in all the disciplines. She has been selected the team’s most valuable gymnast by her teammates on several occasions. Schulte also competed in soccer for the Patriots.

Aurora Herman, Bismarck Legacy

The sophomore has made a smooth transition from competing in the local club’s show team to high school gymnastics. Aurora attends St. Mary’s High School, but competes for the Sabers through a co-op. She had a break out freshman year, placing high in several events and qualifying for the state competition. She is an all-around performer, but her favorite event is the balance beam. She has performed difficult maneuvers, including a back truck, one-arm front walk over. Ending with a full-twisting dismount. Her fearlessness and willingness to try more difficult skills has inspired her teammates to reach for new heights in their development. 

Rylee Olson, Dickinson

The senior is part of a talented Dickinson squad. Her best events are the balance beam and floor exercise, but like many of her teammates, she’s quite capable of performing well in all four disciplines. She placed third in all-around scoring at last year’s state individual championship and tied for second in all-around judging at the WDA championships. She won the floor exercise event at the conference meet. The all-state and all-conference selection a year ago has put in a lot of time advancing her skill set by competing in club gymnastics after the high school season. She’s a good mentor for her young teammates and her voice is always the loudest in cheering on her teammates.

Allysah Larson, Jamestown

The senior has excelled in three sports – swim-dive, track and gymnastics – at Jamestown. In gymnastics, she has been a state qualifier and placer since the seventh grade. Larson is capable of putting up solid scores in all four events, but she’s at her best on the beam and uneven bars. But her work ethic, supportive attitude toward teammates and competitive spirit are where she really shines. She was selected hardest worker by her teammates last season. She is willing to take advice from coaches and commit to improve each day. Larson had foot surgery over the summer due to an injury but she enters this season ready to help lead her team on the mat. After high school, she will compete in track at the University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Jericah Lockner, Mandan

The senior has been a steady performer for the Braves throughout her career, capable of performing well in all four events. Lockner was 11^th in all-around scoring at last year’s WDA Championships, including 11^th place finishes in both the uneven bars and floor exercise. She was an all-WDA and all-state performer last season. She is expected to challenge for a top 10 finish in this year’s conference meet as well.

Haley Conklin, Minot High

The senior has been a solid performer during her career with the Majettes. Her strength is her all-around skills, but the balance beam and floor exercise is where she is at her best. As one of the veterans on the squad, she has been a good role model for her younger teammates. Her positive attitude and never-give-up mentality provide good inspiration. She was an all-WDA and all-state selection a season ago. She finished sixth in all-around scoring at the state individual championships.

Conklin is also a gifted diver and is coming off a state championship in the event this past season where she set a new state record. She also competes in track, making her a three-sport athlete.

Presley Hill, Northwest Stars

The sophomore is one of rising talents in the conference. So far this season she’s had two solid performances, placing 10^th in all-around scoring at a meet in Dickinson and recently 13^th at a meet in Bismarck. That last meet included a pair of top 10 performers in the uneven vars and floor exercise routine. Hill’s squad is just in its second year participating in high school competitions. 

Photo: Alyson Krug, Bismarck High